Balaton: The best hiking trails for your holidays!
Lake Balaton is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Hungary, especially during the sunny summer months. However, it not only invites you to swim and engage in various water sports, but it is also highly regarded by hikers. Around the largest inland lake in Europe, you will find a variety of dog-friendly hiking trails.
Table of contents
Balaton - 8 special hiking trails
Circular trail around Mount Badacsony
It doesn't always have to go really high up, but a detour to the summit of Badacsony is always possible as a bonus for active hiking enthusiasts. The circular route around the table mountain measures approximately 7 kilometers and is quite leisurely, with only some steeper sections with steps. For the route around Mount Badacsony, plan about 2.5 hours for a relaxed hike with fantastic views of the surrounding vineyards. This scenic circular route is also well-suited for a sporty walking tour. You will overcome about 350 meters of elevation difference on the way.
Basalt Organ Educational Trail
The over 400-meter-high György Hill rises in the scenic Balaton Highlands with its vast vineyards. During your approximately one-hour hike, 7 stations provide information about the formation of the mountain as well as its fauna and flora. Finally, you reach the highlight of your tour: the famous basalt organs, up to 30 meters high. These basalt columns, up to 2 meters thick, were formed over millions of years through erosion. The lava deposits resemble gigantic organ pipes from a giant's realm. At the summit of György, you have a magnificent view over Lake Balaton. Back in Raposka, you must definitely try the famous wine of the mountain.
Tihany Circuit
One of the most popular routes measures a total of 10.5 km, during which you cover an elevation difference of 372 m. Typically, you start the circular route at the parking lot of Aszofo. From there, you go along the coast before beginning the ascent. Once you reach the summit, an observation tower awaits you. The tower is open to visitors and has a total of three floors, all offering a wide view. On the way back, you pass two smaller lakes and a geyser field in Tihany. In addition to the many cliffs of Lake Balaton, hikers will also find some swimming opportunities on the peninsula.
Hike to the summit of Gulacs
The densely vegetated and evergreen mountain peak is already visible from the lake and is relatively easy to reach on foot. A popular route starts at the Badascony riding stable and takes you up to the summit. Along the way, you pass the Sér Fountain and mines, each worth a short stop. In total, hikers overcome an elevation difference of 270 m, so they need a good two hours for the relatively short distance of 4 km. Especially in the summer months, you can cool off after the hike with a swim in Lake Balaton, with the Midi Beach being popular.
Hike Koloska Valley including Wildlife Park
From Balatonfüred, the hiking trail leads to the approximately 250 to 300-meter-high plateau that adjoins Lake Balaton to the north. You walk through karst forests and along the Koloska stream. Tall oak trees provide shade on the tour. The circular route overcomes an elevation difference of 485 meters. Eventually, the valley becomes a little wider, and you reach the Koloska spring. Guests traveling with children often plan a visit to the wildlife park. On an area of 2.2 hectares, there are mouflons, deer, and roe deer, among others. The hike can be easily combined with a visit to the Lóczy Cave.
Thomas Hill Cross - Jókai Tower Round of Balatonarács
The starting point of this hike, considered moderately difficult, is located at the parking lot of Koloska Csárda. The paths are mostly easy to walk, but some surefootedness is advantageous in certain areas, as many paths are natural. You should plan about three and a half hours for this circular hike. Particularly worthwhile are the viewpoints from the two towers, which offer a panoramic view of the Tihany Peninsula with the abbey church on the northern shore. Also worth seeing along the route is the Thomas Hill Cross, which you pass towards the end of the hike before returning to the parking lot of the starting point.
Circular hike to Cesere Hill
The circular hike to the Cesere-hegy, located at 290 meters, can be comfortably undertaken in an afternoon. On the way, you pass an old stone mine where red sandstone was once quarried and exported via the nearby town of Alsóörs. The newest amphitheater and the Red Rock Natural Trail also line the path. At the top, the observation tower built in 1935 awaits you with a fantastic panoramic view of the picturesque forested landscape and the vast lake. The starting point of your hike is the old town of Alsóörs, located to the north. After your return, stop by the pub in the historic center and reflect on the impressions.
Vallus Tour
When standing in front of the entrance, a magnificent view of the city of Keszthely, located on the northwestern shore of Lake Balaton, opens up. The cave itself is located at the foot of Mount Diás. Beautiful hikes are possible in this area. For the 12,800-meter-long hike to the Vadlánlik Cave, you need four hours. In the resort town of Gyenesdiás, it starts at the "Great Meadow." The challenging Vállus Tour first leads you through a forest, from which you reach the viewpoints Kis-Szék-tető and Láz-tető. In the eight-meter-long cave, you can stand upright and be enchanted by the unique atmosphere of the place.
